Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2819 prohibits creating or sharing deceptive audio or visual media ("deepfakes") that falsely depict someone's speech or conduct using technical means, targeting individuals who generate or distribute such media for unlawful purposes. Creating deepfakes for offenses like harassment, theft by deception, or invasion of privacy would be a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail or $10,000 fine), while sharing unmarked deepfakes knowing they violate the law would be a third-degree crime (up to 5 years jail or $30,000 fine). Victims could sue for $1,000 per violation plus damages, attorney fees, and other remedies, with the civil action separate from criminal penalties. News media are exempt unless they knowingly share unmarked deceptive content created in violation of the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create mandatory maternity care standards for general hospitals licensed to provide maternity services. The standards must focus on patient safety throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, aiming to reduce negative health events and racial disparities in outcomes. Hospitals must comply with these standards as a condition of their licensure. The standards will be based on national best practices from groups like the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health and must be updated as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to follow specific steps when a student's meal bill is unpaid. Districts must first try to enroll students in free or reduced-price meal programs before notifying parents, and include meal program applications with any notice. It prohibits schools from shaming students (e.g., making them wait in line) or threatening child protective services over unpaid bills. Districts must report twice a year on how many students are denied meals due to unpaid bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools and nonpublic schools receiving federal funding to post clear, accessible information on their websites about students' rights under federal anti-discrimination law (Title IX). Specifically, schools must list students' rights, the Title IX coordinator's contact details (including phone and email), and step-by-step instructions for filing complaints, including time limits and investigation processes. The state education commissioner must also send annual reminders to these schools about Title IX obligations. This applies directly to students and schools, ensuring transparency about discrimination protections without creating new legal rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to annually report how federal pandemic relief funds were distributed to school districts and used. The Department must submit detailed reports by December 31 each year, covering total funds received from the CARES Act, CRRSA Act, and American Rescue Plan Act, amounts distributed to schools, and specific purposes for which funds were spent. A final report is also required within six months after all funds are fully expended. These reports ensure transparency about how pandemic-related education funding was utilized across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to establish a "School Meal Fund" to accept public donations that help students pay for school breakfasts or lunches or clear past-due meal bills. The fund must be managed in a separate bank account with strict financial controls, equitable distribution policies, and annual audits. School districts must inform parents, guardians, and the community about the fund and donation process through written materials and their website, unless they already provide free meals to all students under federal eligibility programs. The fund’s purpose is strictly limited to assisting students with meal costs, with no other uses permitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1582) requires New Jersey public school students who sustain a concussion to obtain an evaluation and written clearance from a licensed health care professional before returning to school. It also prohibits students from participating in any physical activities (like recess or PE) until they receive this clearance. School districts must implement any restrictions or limitations recommended by the health professional, using their 504 team (per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3), and notify all relevant staff. The law applies directly to public school students, school districts, and licensed health care providers who diagnose/treat concussions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create standardized protocols for hospitals and licensed birthing centers to collect de-identified maternity care data. It mandates tracking specific metrics including maternal demographics, complications (like preeclampsia or hemorrhage), delivery methods (inductions, C-sections), infant outcomes (birth weight, birth defects), and gestational age. The DOH must analyze this data annually to identify quality improvements, establish statewide benchmarks for care, and compare hospital performance against those standards. The DOH will report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of enactment and annually thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Female Inmates' Rights Protection Act," requiring the Commissioner of Corrections to implement gender-responsive disciplinary policies and create a nursery program allowing newborns to remain with incarcerated mothers. Eligible mothers must meet specific criteria (e.g., no prior convictions for crimes against minors, no substantiated child abuse history, and no recent serious disciplinary violations) and undergo mental health evaluations. The program requires transfer to a residential community release program, provides parenting classes and doula services during pregnancy/birth, and mandates accommodations for parenting time with the child’s other parent. It also requires annual reporting on disciplinary actions by inmate gender and mandatory staff training on gender-responsive policies at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Department of Human Services (DHS) to study and improve transportation accessibility for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Specifically, it mandates DOT to review current infrastructure design practices for highways and transit projects, then adopt new standards to help these individuals travel more independently. The agencies must also study nationwide best practices for operating public transportation and mobility programs to make them more accessible. Finally, DOT must encourage local governments applying for state funding to adopt these improved accessibility standards.